PM Modi Opts for Virtual Participation in ASEAN Summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit, choosing instead to participate virtually. The decision, communicated to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is attributed to Deepavali festivities and other key domestic commitments in India.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim confirmed this development following a phone conversation with PM Modi on Wednesday, October 22, later sharing the details in an official statement on social media.
Anwar Ibrahim’s Statement on Modi’s Decision
“We also touched upon the upcoming 47th ASEAN Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur at the end of this month,” Anwar Ibrahim wrote on social media.
“He informed me that he will be attending virtually, as the Deepavali celebrations will still be taking place in India at that time. I respect his decision and extended my Deepavali greetings to him and the entire people of India.”
The ASEAN Summit and related summits are scheduled from October 26 to 28, with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expected to represent the country in person at the East Asia Summit and other associated meetings.
India–Malaysia Bilateral Relations Strengthened
In his remarks, PM Anwar emphasized the strategic and friendly nature of Malaysia–India relations, reaffirming that both nations are committed to elevating their partnership to a “more strategic and comprehensive level.”
He added that India remains a key partner in areas such as trade, investment, education, technology, and regional security.
“Malaysia will remain committed to strengthening Malaysia–India relations and enhancing ASEAN–India cooperation towards a peaceful and prosperous region,” Anwar said.
PM Modi Confirms Virtual Attendance
PM Modi also took to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm his participation.
“Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming Summits,” Modi wrote.
“Look forward to joining the ASEAN–India Summit virtually, and to further deepening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he added.
Diplomatic Implications and Domestic Context
The summit was widely expected to be a platform for key bilateral meetings, including a possible face-to-face interaction between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to attend. With Modi opting for virtual participation, the meeting will not take place as anticipated.
Political analysts in India have noted that Modi’s decision may also relate to domestic priorities, including state elections and upcoming Chhath Puja celebrations.
Nevertheless, the government has underscored that India’s engagement with ASEAN remains strong, regardless of the format of participation.
India’s Continued Commitment to ASEAN
India has been a Dialogue Partner of ASEAN since 1995, and their ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in recent years. Modi’s decision to join virtually underscores India’s ongoing commitment to regional cooperation, even while balancing domestic obligations.
The mutual respect expressed between the two leaders reinforces the warm and enduring relationship between India and Malaysia, and by extension, India and the ASEAN bloc.
